is more expect of pianists?

[Kapellmeister27]

recently at my college, i accompanied for a clarinetist who was doing a jury to get into the upper-level lessons

all they did was a scale exercise and two movements of a sonata.  i realized that this is basically the requirements for most instruments. (with some exceptions like voice, precussion, etc. but they are fairly similar0

pianists on the ohter hand need to do all major and minor scales and arpeggios, a baroque piece, two movements of a sonata, a romantic piece, and a 20th century piece.  plus, unlike anyone else, they have to have it all memorized.

i know this isnt a lot to ask since this is the requirement for a lot of auditions, but what is it like at your schools?  does it seem like more ies expected of pianists than other instrumentalists? why?

[Hmoll]

recently at my college, i accompanied for a clarinetist 

That's an answer to your question right there.

When I was in college, piano majors were required to accompany at least 3 singers or instrumentalists. That - obviously - meant learning their music, going to their lessons, playing for their juries and recitals.

[galonia]

I played the Double Bass for four years, and discovered very quickly that it was not expected for instrumentalists to memorise any of their work.  I was a bit surprised, having always memorised all my piano repertoire.

But soon I realised it's because most instrumentalists end up playing in orchestras or other ensembles, where it is sensible to play from the music.  Especially double bassists!!!

The double bass exams I also found were less rigorous than my piano exams, but I think instrumentalists have heaps of ensemble repertoire that they do, which doesn't get examined - why would an examiner want to sit through 40 bars of rests during which the double bass does nothing while the rest of the orchestra is going?

Plus for wind instruments, it's harder to play for long periods.  During composition, we're taught not to write too-long passages for winds, because the player might collapse.  A clarinettist friend of mine once had quite a long passage in orchestra, and during rehearsals, when we went over and over some sections, his lips turned blue!

[Kapellmeister27]

true, i hadnt thought about that.

i have only piano, a piano ensemble (duet), and a new music ensemble

whereas the clarinetist has their lessons, wind ensemble, orchestra ensemble, new music ensemble, and woodwind quartet they have to do

[pianowelsh]

its the same every school the world over! There is the arguement they have to 'make' their sound! but  personally i think this is a lame excuse as any decent pianist is every bit as concerned with their sound quality. Who ever said that life was fair - pianists have always had the raw end of the deal - but it also has to be admitted that secretly pianists have the admiration of the rest of the college. A small consolation

[maxy]

yes: more is expected of pianists.

it is fine that way, sometimes frustrating but still fine.

[anda]

yes: more is expected of pianists.

it is fine that way, sometimes frustrating but still fine.

exactly.

as for classes: they have instrument, chamber music, orchestra. we have instrument, chamber music, accompanying.

[rhapsody in orange]

Yes I've noticed this when I'm looking through the audition requirements at the conservatory I'm applying to. Does this happen to be due to the larger number of applicants going for piano performance major? More pieces are required from a piano applicant as compared to an applicant going for another instrument, and memory is a must for pianists too. 

[BoliverAllmon]

To me (now this is me) I think that the reason for this is for a couple of reasons. Most of the time the instrumentalists are just part of an ensemble. It doesn't matter if they are absolutely perfect and can play some of the most insane repertoire for their instrument. Pianists on the other hand are by themselves. each mistake is heard and the competition in the field is mind blowing.

boliver